I want to go on a little holiday away from our home in Isaan to somewhere that would preferably have good, accessible snorkeling and also some hikes.; We've been all over Thailand before, and were thinking of Phi Phi or Koh Chang, but I'm worried those places have gotten really crowded now... plus I want to try somewhere new. A hotel or bungalows with snorkeling <i>right </i> out in front would be ideal. It can be anywhere in Thailand... I've never been to Malaysia, maybe there are good places near the border? Anyway, I realize this is a broad question

Edited July 21, 201015 yr by Svenn

I loved Perhentian Islands in North East Malaysia, close to Kota Bahru. Simple, with nice resort, beautiful snorkeling.

Good weather now but my guess will be crowded in August

Koh Samui is usually dry now. Hot-- but not as much rain as Phuket area. The whole area down there is without crowds now.

Ah so I've checked the weather and some say the rain on the east coast starts in September... but others have said Samui is crowded and expensive during August. I dunno, I kind of like a quieter natural setting but my gf is kind of partial to jetskis... maybe I should just bite the bullet and do a touristy holiday.

Have a look at Bali - it may meet your requirements.

i would suggest koh samet island

Ah so I've checked the weather and some say the rain on the east coast starts in September... but others have said Samui is crowded and expensive during August. I dunno, I kind of like a quieter natural setting but my gf is kind of partial to jetskis... maybe I should just bite the bullet and do a touristy holiday.

rainy season starts in the last week of October and there are accommodations for any budget on the island. Go to Menam Beach, there are still some places like in the past or Southern Lamai. It's beautiful and not expensive.

Or even better for you Koh Phangan, same climate and a lot of young people at some places. Or at other places in the North East tranquilized and beautiful.

Langkawi ticks some of the boxes. Get there from Thailand (Satun) Weather....I've been there 4 or 5 times in August and only once was the weather bad enough to impact. Duty free island, very laidback, Chenang beach has some water activities like Jetski but not in your face like Thai resorts. Big island with lots to do and explore. I tend to skip Thai islands these days, overcrowded and overpriced and too many idiots IMHO.

Langkawi ticks some of the boxes. Get there from Thailand (Satun) Weather....I've been there 4 or 5 times in August and only once was the weather bad enough to impact. Duty free island, very laidback, Chenang beach has some water activities like Jetski but not in your face like Thai resorts. Big island with lots to do and explore. I tend to skip Thai islands these days, overcrowded and overpriced and too many idiots IMHO.

Very good to know! Does the island have snorkeling of any kind? I heard Tarutao was kind of cloudy. What about seafood? Just sitting on the beach eating some inexpensive crab all day would be fine too

Do you recommend any particular hotel on Langkawi?

Langkawi ticks some of the boxes. Get there from Thailand (Satun) Weather....I've been there 4 or 5 times in August and only once was the weather bad enough to impact. Duty free island, very laidback, Chenang beach has some water activities like Jetski but not in your face like Thai resorts. Big island with lots to do and explore. I tend to skip Thai islands these days, overcrowded and overpriced and too many idiots IMHO.

Very good to know! Does the island have snorkeling of any kind? I heard Tarutao was kind of cloudy. What about seafood? Just sitting on the beach eating some inexpensive crab all day would be fine too

Do you recommend any particular hotel on Langkawi?

Not brilliant for snorkeling at the moment as they closed the nearby marine park at Pulao paya due to Coral bleaching, no doubt they will be doing trips elsewhere. Hotels depend on your budget, there are some brilliant ones but not cheap. Lots of small places on the beach however and a lot of inexpensive restaurants around, not great for Thai food though so hope your gf ok with that. Best thing for you to do is check out the forums on Trip Advisor. Here.